Glucans, with the (1-3)-beta-glucosidic linkage as a major feature,
are present in most higher plants and many lower plants and microorganisms.
They may occur as major structural or storage components or be formed
at very specific sites in response to particular developmental events
or stimuli. In many cases their functional role is a mystery, in
others it is well established. Their distribution and physiological
involvement indicates that they are important to fields such as agriculture
and biotechnology, and may also have impact in medicine, throught
their role in immunology and cancer therapy.

The book is an invaluable reference handbook not only
for graduate students and teachers in universities but also for scientists
in industrial,
agricultural and medical research and develpment laboratories.

Special features of 'Chemistry and Biology of (1-3)-beta-glucans'
include:

Separate indexes divided into Species and Subject for enhanced searchability

Description:

The book presents a comprehensive, systematic and authoritative survey of information about a family of chemically related, but functionally diverse, naturally occurring polysaccharides- the (1-3)-glucans. International contributors describe the chemical and physicochemical properties of these glucans and their derivatives and the molecular biological and structural aspects of the enzymes involved in their formation and breakdown. A detailed analysis of their physiological roles in the various biological situations in which they are found will be provided. Additionally, evolutionary relationships among the family of these glucans will be described.